Salim merchant autobiography example
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Salim Merchant was a judge on the fifth season of Indian Idol on Sony Entertainment Television. He is also known for his independent music projects and live performances worldwide.
Television & Mentorship
Salim Merchant has served as a judge on popular reality shows like Indian Idol and The Voice India, mentoring aspiring singers and contributing to the Indian music industry’s growth.
Personal Life
Salim Merchant is married to Jeanne Merchant, a talented singer and vocal coach.
According to industry sources, he charges between INR 10–15 lakh per song and earns substantial income from concerts and international collaborations.
Interesting Facts
- Salim Merchant is a trained pianist and has performed at several international venues.
- He is passionate about promoting music education for children in India.
- Salim has collaborated with international artists, including lady gaga and Enrique Iglesias.
- He is known for his philanthropic work, supporting various charitable causes.
- Salim’s signature style blends Indian classical music with Western influences.
Social Media Links
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Salim Merchant famous for?
Salim Merchant is famous for his work as a music director and composer in Bollywood, especially as part of the Salim–Sulaiman duo. - Who is Salim Merchant’s wife?
He is married to Jeanne Merchant, a singer and vocal coach. - How did Salim Merchant start his career?
He began by composing background scores for TV and advertisements with his brother, later breaking into Bollywood with major film projects. - What are some popular songs by Salim Merchant?
Some of his most popular works include tracks from Chak De!India
, Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, and Fashion. - Does Salim Merchant have any children?
Yes, he has one daughter. - Is Salim Merchant active on social media?
Yes, he is active on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.
Conclusion
Salim Merchant’s journey from a musically gifted family in Mumbai to becoming a celebrated composer and mentor is truly inspiring.
Together, they formed the iconic Salim–Sulaiman duo, initially working on background scores for television and advertisements.
Breakthrough in Bollywood
Their big break came with the film Bhoot (2003), followed by acclaimed soundtracks for movies like Kaal (2005), Chak De! India (2007), and Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi (2008).
The couple has one daughter. His favorite restaurants are Kofuku Japanese and Tatami, both in Mumbai.
Facts/Trivia
- His hobbies include reading and playing Xbox.
- He follows a non-vegetarian diet.
- His favorite composition is “Yeh Honsla Kaise Jhuke” from “Dor.”
- His family name was originally “Moledina,” later changed to “Merchant.”
- His father was a veteran of the Telugu film industry and known as the “Mohammed Rafi of the Ismaili community.”
- His wife, Jeanne, was a renowned figure in Mumbai’s jazz music scene before their marriage.
- Since 2013, Jeanne runs a music academy for children.
- Salim-Sulaiman were nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award in 2009.
- They recorded the FIFA World Cup anthem in 2010.
- Salim collaborated with Rahat Fateh Ali Khan on a Qawwali project in 2016.
Salim Merchant Age, Girlfriend, Wife, Family, Biography & More
in meters- 1.78 m
in feet & inches- 5’ 10”
Music (Composer): Ghaath (2000)
TV: Indian Idol Season 5 (2010)
• Star Screen Award for Best Background Score for the film “Dhoom” (2004)
• Zee Cine Award for Best Background Score for the film “Ab Tak Chhappan” (2005)
• IIFA Award for Best Background Score for the film “Mujhse Shaadi Karogi” (2005)
• FHM (magazine) Award for Best Dressed Music Composer (2007)
• Filmfare Award for Best Background Score for the film “Krrish” (2007)
• Syracuse International Film Festival Award for Best Music Director for the film “Fashion” (2008)
• Mirchi Music Award for Indie Pop Song of the Year for the song “Cheene Re Mora Chain” (2013)
However, he has occasionally spoken out about issues such as plagiarism in the music industry and the need for better recognition of original composers. Xavier’s College, Mumbai
Early Life & Education
Salim Merchant was born on 3 March 1974 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, into a musically inclined family.
He attended St. Xavier’s College in Mumbai, where he honed his musical skills and developed a keen interest in piano and Western classical music. Outside music, he enjoys traveling and is actively involved in several charitable initiatives supporting music education for underprivileged children.
Awards & Achievements
- National Film Award nomination for Best Music Direction
- Filmfare Award for Best Background Score – Chak De!
India
(2007) - IIFA Award for Best Background Score
- Screen Award for Best Music Director
- Global Indian Music Award (GIMA)
- Multiple Mirchi Music Awards
- Honored by the Indian government for contributions to music
Physical Statistics
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (173 cm) |
|---|---|
| Weight | 70 kg (approx.) |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
Quotes
- “Music is a universal language that connects hearts across the world.”
- “Every melody I create is a reflection of my journey and experiences.”
- “Inspiring the next generation of musicians is my greatest achievement.”
Controversies
Salim Merchant has largely maintained a controversy-free public image.
Farhan pointed out that Salim's song "Haareya" was an absolute copy of his song "Roiyaan." However, Salim called it a coincidence. Here’s a summary:
| Award | Film/Song | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Star Screen Award for Best Background Score | Bhoot | 2003 |
| Star Screen Award for Best Background Score | Dhoom | 2004 |
| Zee Cine Award for Best Background Score | Ab Tak Chhappan | 2005 |
| IIFA Award for Best Background Score | Mujhse Shaadi Karogi | 2005 |
| FHM Award for Best Dressed Music Composer | N/A | 2007 |
| Filmfare Award for Best Background Score | Krrish | 2007 |
| Syracuse International Film Festival Award for Best Music Director | Fashion | 2008 |
| Mirchi Music Award for Indie Pop Song of the Year | Cheene Re Mora Chain | 2013 |
Favourite Things
Salim Merchant’s preferences include Japanese cuisine, grilled fish, and butter chicken.
Based in Mumbai, his influence extends across India and internationally, making him a prominent figure in contemporary music.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Salim Merchant |
|---|---|
| Profession / Occupation | Music Director, Composer, Singer, Producer |
| Birth Date | 3 March 1974 |
| Age | 51 (as of 2025) |
| Birth Place | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Famous For | Bollywood music composition, Salim–Sulaiman duo |
| Known For | Film soundtracks, reality TV judging, live performances |
| Ethnicity | Gujarati Muslim |
| Zodiac Sign | Pisces |
| Height & Weight | 5 ft 8 in (173 cm); 70 kg (approx.) |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Education | St.
Among actors, he admires Hrithik Roshan, Shah Rukh Khan, Farhan Akhtar, Ranveer Singh, and Riteish Deshmukh; and actresses Keira Knightley, Anushka Sharma, and Priyanka Chopra. His favorite films are “Ab Tak Chhappan,” “Legends of the Fall,” and “Life is Beautiful,” and musicians include Sukhwinder Singh, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Shafqat Amanat Ali, Sunidhi Chauhan, Kailash Kher, and A. R. Rahman. Salim Sadruddin Moledina Merchant, popularly known as Salim Merchant, is a prominent figure in the Indian music industry. His ancestral home is in Mundra, Kutch, Gujarat. Their work on the Hollywood film Sold and the Gandhi Jayanti single with Ricky Kej during the 2020 lockdown highlights their diverse collaborations with indie artists such as Shivansh Jindal. Salim Merchant is a renowned Indian music director, composer, and singer, celebrated for his significant contributions to Bollywood and independent music. He completed his schooling at St. Peter’s High School, Mumbai, and pursued his graduation at KC College. His early interest in music stemmed from his father’s career as a music director. They even composed for the Hollywood film “Sold.” Salim’s judging roles on “Indian Idol” and other singing reality shows added to his public profile. ControversyIn 2019, a plagiarism controversy arose when Pakistani singer Farhan Saeed accused Salim Merchant of copying his song “Roiyaan” with Salim’s “Haareya.” Salim attributed the similarity to coincidence. AwardsSalim Merchant has received numerous accolades for his music. His song “Ishq Wala Love” from “Student of the Year” became a major hit. The Salim-Sulaiman duo also created Bollywood remixes of Lady Gaga’s songs and worked on Enrique Iglesias’ music. |